Kentrell Brothers already adjusting to the NFL and life up north (AUDIO)

Kentrell Brothers walks off the field after his first day of rookie minicamp (photo/Vikings.com)

Former Missouri Tiger linebacker Kentrell Brothers admits he was a bit surprised he slipped as far as he did in the NFL Draft, when he was selected in the fifth round with the 160th overall pick, going to the Minnesota Vikings. He led the nation his senior with 152 tackles and many had Brothers projected as a high as a possible third round pick.

His lack of size for an NFL inside linebacker scared some teams away. Even his Mizzou teammates, offensive lineman, Evan Boehm and Connor McGovern who were only considered good draft candidates, were picked ahead of Brothers.

Brothers watched the first night of the draft with his family and he didn’t hear his name called. Family gathered after the first round for the second night…and still nothing after the second round. Brothers said not much was said between he and the family, but they continues to support him and they all gathered around on Saturday. When Brothers finally heard his name, he said waiting didn’t see all that important anymore.

“A team is taking a chance on you and you just make the most of it,” Brothers said while wrapping up his weekend rookie minicamp with the Minnesota Vikings.

Brothers said the draft wasn’t the most stressful part of the beginning of his pro career. The stressful part was getting that first contract signed. Brothers is glad that is past him and now that he has his contract and a signing bonus, he knows what he wants to do with that money.

All newcomers and rookies talk about the competition and the speed of the NFL game, but Brothers also knows that he needs to pick up the playbook and learn. Brothers said at Mizzou, the defense was simplified and made easier by the coaches. In Minnesota it’s much different.